Sunderland linked with fresh move for January full-back target

Chris Young

Sunderland have again been linked with a move for Olympiakos left-back Arthur Masuaku, despite Sam Allardyce concentrating on bringing in a new right-back.

The Black Cats made an enquiry for Masuaku in the January transfer window, when Patrick van Aanholt had struggled for form during the first half of the season and was culpable for a series of high-profile mistakes.

However, as van Aanholt produced a dramatic improvement in performances and Olympiakos put an £8million price tag on Masuaku, Sunderland shelved their interest in the Frenchman.

Van Aanholt will remain as Sunderland's first-choice left-back this season after penning a new four-year contract at the Stadium of Light last month, with Allardyce far more concerned at bringing in a new right-back after the departure of loanee DeAndre Yedlin.

But there have been fresh reports in Greece that Sunderland and French side Lyon remain interested in Masuaku, with Olympiakos still unwilling to listen to offers under £8m.

Sunderland do have only two senior full-backs on the books - van Aanholt and Billy Jones - yet the right-back position is of utmost importance for the Black Cats.

Allardyce thought the issue had been solved last week when Sunderland appeared to have agreed terms with Inter for the transfer of Davide Santon, yet the move fell through at the 11th hour.

Santon is now back in Italy and will rejoin the Inter squad for pre-season training this week.

Meanwhile, reports in Italy claim that the representatives of Emanuele Giaccherini have met with Serie A outfit Torino in an attempt to finalise a deal for the 31-year-old.

Giaccherini's future has been the subject of constant speculation over recent weeks, with Sunderland ready to cash-in on the midfielder and a host of Italian clubs vying for the ex-Juventus man, who impressed at the European Championships.

Torino have been in pole position for Giaccherini - despite interest from Fiorentina and Bologna - although they are yet to agree a fee with Sunderland.